Srinagar, July 12, KDC: The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 should serve as a wake-up call for governments and health systems worldwide, with the focus now shifting from scientific breakthroughs alone to ensuring equitable access to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, Kashmir-based cancer researcher Dr. Umer Majeed Khaja said on Sunday.
Dr. Khaja, a Research Scientist at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), described the report as “a defining roadmap for the future of global cancer control”, saying it underscores that scientific innovation must be accompanied by stronger health systems and equitable implementation if advances in cancer care are to benefit patients across all regions and socioeconomic groups.
Citing findings from the WHO report, he said an estimated 20.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer globally in 2024, while nearly 10 million died from the disease. Without stronger global action, annual new cancer cases are projected to rise to 35 million by 2050 due to population ageing, demographic changes and increasing exposure to preventable risk factors. The report also estimates that one in five people will develop cancer during their lifetime.
“The WHO report reminds us that scientific progress alone will not reduce the global burden of cancer unless proven interventions are translated into accessible, affordable and equitable healthcare for every patient,” Dr. Khaja said.
He noted that while recent years have witnessed major advances in molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, targeted therapies and immunotherapy, the report cautions that these developments cannot significantly improve outcomes if patients continue to face barriers to early diagnosis, essential medicines and comprehensive treatment.
Dr. Khaja said the report also highlights persistent disparities in cancer survival, particularly in resource-limited settings where delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment and limited supportive care continue to affect patient outcomes despite rapid progress in oncology.
Referring to another key finding, he said nearly 40 per cent of cancers remain preventable through evidence-based public health interventions, including tobacco control, healthier lifestyles, increased physical activity, vaccination against infection-related cancers, reduced alcohol consumption and minimizing exposure to environmental carcinogens.
He welcomed the report’s emphasis on strengthening health systems, saying effective cancer control extends beyond hospitals and specialist oncology centres to include prevention, primary healthcare, early detection, pathology services, affordable treatment, palliative care and survivorship support. Investments, he said, should not only create new therapies but also ensure that existing evidence-based interventions reach every community.
Describing cancer as both a public health and socioeconomic challenge, Dr. Khaja said the report recognises its far-reaching impact on individuals, families, healthcare systems and national development. He said governments, researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers must work together to ensure that scientific advances translate into meaningful improvements in patient care.
According to Dr. Khaja, the WHO report identifies three broad priorities for the future of global cancer control: strengthening health system capacity, improving protection and support for people affected by cancer through prevention and social measures, and ensuring that research and innovation remain aligned with public health priorities and equitable access to care.
He said the report provides an opportunity for governments and health systems to move beyond celebrating scientific breakthroughs and focus equally on delivering equitable, people-centred cancer care.
“The next chapter in the fight against cancer will not be defined solely by what science discovers, but by how effectively societies implement what is already known to save lives and improve quality of life,” he said. (KDC)
